How To Use A Fertilizer Spreader Like A Pro (+ Tips & Video)

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How to Use a Fertilizer Spreader Like a Pro (+ Tips & Video)

Trying to figure out how to use a fertilizer spreader for best application? Or want to learn how to fertilize your lawn like a pro?

With a huge range of different fertilizer spreaders on offer, and with equally confusing application options, it’s hard to decide on which spreader you need. And how much fertilizer you require to get your backyard looking in great shape. 

Too much fertilizer and your lawn dies from being burnt. Too little and your grass is sickly-looking, pale from not enough nutrients. 

So, how can you guarantee to save time and money, eliminate weeds and avoid costly mistakes?

What Is a Lawn Fertilizer Spreader and Why Do You Need One?

A fertilizer spreader is a tool designed to deliver a range of different sized granular products such as grass seed and fertilizer to your plants efficiently. It’s a must have piece of equipment if you’re likely to be spreading fertilizer regularly.

Of course, you can spread fertilizer using the time honored way – your hands. But, you’ll get a much better, more consistent coverage of the feed your grass needs by using an appliance. Not least, using a fertilizer spreader is a whole sight cleaner and more efficient! 

There are several options you may consider:

  • A Hand-Held Spreader
  • A Drop Spreader
  • A Broadcast Spreader

Hand-Held Spreader for Fertilizer

A hand-held spreader is essentially a small hopper above a wheel activated by hand. This is ideal if you only have a very small amount of grass to look after, but is rather hit and miss in its application. 

There are a number of things that can go wrong when using this type of spreader, as the control you have over settings and external factors are limited and therefore can be frustrating. The amount of fertilizer you are able to fit into the hopper is also a drawback, but may be something you are prepared to put up with depending upon the size of area to tend.

Drop Fertilizer Spreaders

A drop spreader may be the answer if you are looking for a tool to do occasional work on your lawns, or for a specific usage. Self propelled and low to the ground, the drop spreader utilizes a rotating rod within the rectangular hopper ‘dropping’ fertilizer to the ground. 

Only delivering fertilizer between the width of the wheels limits the scope of this machine, as it is difficult to see where you have spread and you will be investing much more time in application. However, these fertilizer spreaders are great when you need precision, such as along the edges of pathways or flower borders. And works just great in small areas.

Broadcast Spreaders for Fertilizer 

As the name suggests, a broadcast spreader uses a spinning disc to distribute grass seed, or fertilizer, across the soil. The seed or fertilizer is spun out in an arc, giving a greater coverage more quickly. 

Together with a larger hopper and greater controls over the amount of product (and ability to change settings when you are using different sized products) going through the machine, you’ll find this type of fertilizer spreader the most efficient way to fertilize your lawn. 

Drawbacks for this type of spreader is the act of broadcasting, itself. Many machines are not capable of limiting the arc of the broadcast, and therefore a broadcast spreader may not have the precision of a drop spreader.

How to Use a Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader Like a Pro

The professionals’ spreader of choice is a broadcast spreader. For ease of use, speed and finish, a broadcast spreader such as the Cresco range can take you through the seasons.

Consider the Cresco 10SW – a robust broadcast spreader recommended for applications on areas 1615 ft2 to 5382 ft2. This nifty fertilizer spreader will be perfect for spreading an area similar in size to a tennis court.

Because of its high level of technology, the Cresco 10SW spreader incorporates the best features of a drop spreader and those of the broadcast spreader. With its Slide System Technology, you have complete control over borders and calibration without the worry.

Calibrating a Spreader is Challenging

Due to contrasting make-up of fertilizers, seeds, or salt (the Cresco 10SW can be used with all of these), you’ll want to get the right amount of product onto the ground.

Different size, weight and shape mean your spreader settings need to be adjusted to accommodate the specific product you’re using. Trialing different settings, trying to guess the right one, is time consuming and frustrating. And often leads to disasters on the ground such as burning or dead patches.

With a Cresco fertilizer spreader you are able to access their data vault for the products you’re using and hit the ground running with the right information first time round.

Tips for Calibrating A Fertilizer Spreader

  1. Use a large tarp on a driveway or other hard surface first
  2. Mark out a test area on the tarp
  3. Calibrate manufacturers recommendations on the spreader
  4. Weigh out the recommended dosage for the small test area 
  5. Gauge usage from the amount left in the hopper when you’ve finished your test 
  6. Adjust settings according to your findings
  7. Sweep up used product and return to the hopper to reuse

Tips for How to Use a Fertilizer Spreader

  • Mow the lawn before starting
  • Aerate the soil prior to fertilizing
  • Check the calibration on your fertilizer spreader before using
  • Use a tarp to fill the hopper, so spills can be mitigated
  • Start on the longest edge of your lawn
  • Set the fertilizer spreader in about 3 feet from the edge of your lawn to stop fertilizer creep
  • Walk at a slow, steady pace in a straight line
  • Close the spreader when making turns
  • Position the spreader to go back in the opposite direction at the end of your run
  • Overlap your first run by a few inches, to ensure complete coverage
  • Eliminate stripes by creating a cross grid pattern. Start on the short side of your grass this time and spread over once again.
  • Cut the application rate in half if you opt for a grid pattern of application
  • Avoid spreading on windy days
  • Water well to maximize take up
  • Clean spreader well after each use and maintain regularly

How Using a Fertilizer Spreader Improves Lawn Care & Lowers Frustration

Choosing the right fertilizer spreader for your lawn, used correctly, not only improves your lawn, but lowers frustration too!

By implementing good practices and ensuring you have the best fertilizer spreader for the job in hand, you’ll be guaranteed to enjoy healthy, vibrant grass with the minimum of fuss.

Lower your frustration by using a quality spreader, and you’ll find yourself looking forward to great results.

“Dollar for dollar, fertilization does more to improve poor-quality turfgrass than any other management practice” – PennState Extension

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